Baratza Virtuoso+

What it does well

The timer is the reason to choose it over the Encore. Baratza says the motor runs on a 40-second digital timer adjustable to a tenth of a second. Once you know how long your dose takes, you press start and walk away.

Retention is low for a hopper grinder. Coffee Review measured "a grounds retention of only 1.5 grams," well below average. It also liked the bin, which has sharp corners for pouring and contains static well.

It suits filter methods. Coffee Review says its forty smooth clicks work well for immersion and drip brewing. Seattle Coffee Gear's product copy says its coarse grinding "transforms your drip coffee quality."

It is built to be repaired. Coffee Review praises its "smart design, simple operation and excellent serviceability." Baratza's sheet says the burrs can be user calibrated if the range drifts.

Where it falls short

Grind consistency has been passed by newer grinders. In Coffee Review's laser particle analysis it placed a "very close third" of four. It was about 6% less consistent than the top performer, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro.

Espresso is a stretch. Baratza's sheet says it suits "manual brewing and espresso." Coffee Review says it can grind fine enough to start, but the clicks are "relatively broad and can be limiting" for dialing in shots.

Beans bounce at the end of a grind. Coffee Review says beans "bounce or 'popcorn' around for some seconds" once the hopper empties, so you often need a few extra pulses. That also makes it a weak choice for single dosing.

It is not quiet or premium. Coffee Review measured 90–95 dB, "no louder than average." Baratza lists ABS plastic and metal construction, and Coffee Review notes the exterior is mostly plastic.

Who should buy it, and who shouldn't

Buy it if you brew pour-over, drip or French press most days, and want a timer and long-term parts support. It suits a household that keeps beans in the hopper.

Skip it if espresso is part of the plan. The Encore ESP uses the same burrs with finer steps, and costs less. Skip it too if you weigh every dose and single dose, since the popcorning works against that routine.

How it compares

The Encore vs Virtuoso+ comparison is the classic upgrade question. Both use a 40-click collar, so the decision rests on the burrs and the timer.

The Breville Smart Grinder Pro is the rival Coffee Review measured. It topped that test for consistency, about 6% ahead of the Virtuoso+.

If you want finer control without leaving Baratza, the Vario+ vs Virtuoso+ comparison shows a two-stage adjustment against a single collar.

Owning it

Baratza sells parts for its grinders directly, and Coffee Review highlights the availability of spare parts. Baratza's warranty is one year, per its product sheet.

Brush out the burrs regularly; our guide to cleaning a burr grinder covers the routine. If the finest setting stops reaching where it used to, see how to calibrate a grinder. For worn burrs, see how to replace grinder burrs.

Use the settings chart on this page as your starting point for each brew method. Then adjust by taste.